Treatment of Parkinson's Cell Edgar Cayce
Treatment of Parkinson's Cell Edgar Cayce
Treatment of Parkinson's Cell Edgar Cayce
TREATMENT OF PARKINSON'S
DISEASE USING THE CAYCE
WET CELL BATTERY
Douglas G. Richards, Ph.D.; David L. McMillin, M.A.;
Eric A. Mein, M.D. & Carl D. Nelson, D.C.
ABSTRACT
Parkinson's disease, a condition involving progressive deterioration of the nervous system, is at
present incurable by conventional medicine. Here we report on a study in which we have
evidence of clinical improvement from using a treatment modality recommended by Edgar
Cayce, a subtle energy device known as the wet cell battery. Cayce said that the wet cell would
transfer vibratory energy into the body, and specifically recommended it for neurological
disorders, but there have been no previous clinical studies of this modality. T en participants
with Parkinson's disease used the wet cell, a chemical battery, with gold and silver solutions,
for a four-month treatment period at home. Nine of the ten people followed the protocol
consistently (but none completely or perfectly). They averaged slight to moderate improvement
in Parkinson's disease symptoms over four months, based on observations by researchers and
subjective questionnaires. Over the long term (three years), one participant obtained almost
complete remission of his Parkinson's disease symptoms. Since there was no control group the
placebo effect cannot be ruled out. However, many minor symptoms showed interesting
improvement in several individuals. For example, two people reported regaining their sense of
smell, and one had improved color vision. Several people had more facial emotional expres
siveness, and reported reduced tremors.
KEYWORDS: Parkinson's disease, Edgar Cayce, electrotherapy, gold, silver, wet cell
P
arkinson's disease, a condition involving progressive deterioration of the
nervous system, is at present incurable by conventional medicine. The
Edgar Cayce readings address this disorder, and provide protocols for
regeneration of the nervous system. Here we report on a study in which we
have evidence of clinical improvement from using a treatment modality
recommended by Cayce, a subtle energy device known as the wet cell battery.
The wet cell battery is an energy device developed by a group in the 1920s
and 1930s working with guidance from Edgar Cayce. It was prescribed in a
large number of readings as an element of the therapy for restoring function
to the nervous and glandular systems. The details are documented in the 1800
R
egarding vibratory treatment of deterioration of the central nervous
system, Cayce said "The principle being that these change the vibratory
forces ... with gold and silver in their varied conditions as may be
applied to the system. We will find that impulse. . may create for a body
almost a new brain ...." (Reading 1800-16, May 1930).9
The use of gold and silver in the treatment of neurological disorders has histor
ical precedent. Both gold and silver have been used in microscopy as neurolog
ical stains since the mid-1800s because of their affinity for nervous tissue. 11
Gold compounds are now used primarily in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis, and to some degree in other diseases involving the immune system. 12
But in the 1800s and earlier, gold was often used as a "nervine," a drug that
could revitalize people suffering from nervous conditions.
"A gold cordial could be found in the new pharmacopoeias of the 17th century
and was advocated by Nicholas Culpepper for the treatment of ailments caused
by a decrease in the vital spirits, such as melancholy, fainting, fevers, and falling
sickness [epilepsy] ."12 In the 1899 Merck's Manual gold bromide is listed as
an "anti-epileptic, anodyne, nervine," used for, "epilepsy, migraine, etc.; said to
act, in small doses, quickly and continuously, without bromism."]3 Even as
late as 1942, Stedman's Practical Medical Dictionary lists gold bromide as
T
he most extensive use of gold was the "Keeley Cure," a treatment for
alcoholism and other addictions discovered by Leslie E. Keeley, M.D.
Keeley found that the chloride of gold and sodium (prepared by mixing
gold chloride and sodium chloride) was an effective treatment for addictions,
including morphine/opium and cocaine addiction as well is alcoholism. I5
Included in Keeley's book is a copy of an editorial from the Chicago Tribune,
February 13, 1894. The editorial discusses Keeley's remarkable record, citing
a recent summary of 1000 cases, of which over 900/0 seemed to have achieved
a long-term cure of their addictions. Higby cites an estimate as high as 100,000
patients treated with gold by Keeley, and notes that by the mid-1890s, over
30,000 former Keeley patients joined clubs, "dedicated to the twin goals of
mutual support and spreading the gospel of Dr. Keeley's marvelous gold
treatment."16 Unfortunately, Keeley's exact formula was kept a closely guarded
secret, and the use of gold in treatment of alcoholism at Keeley Institutes ceased
with Keeley's death. Higby calls for more historical research on the Keeley
gold cure, since Keeley probably administered more medicinal gold than anyone
before or since.
Abraham et al. recently (in 1998) explored the potential of colloidal gold as a
nervine. I7 Encouraged by pilot work suggesting improved cognition and well
being, they conducted a study to see if gold could improve cognitive
functioning. After four weeks on colloidal gold, there was a 200/0 increase in
IQ scores.
It is even possible that gold is an essential trace element. Kauf et al. measured
the amounts of a number of trace elements in the hair of newborn infants. is
They noted, "The investigation of trace elements in the hair of babies resulted
in the remarkable observation that in the first three months of life zinc,
copper and gold contents shows a considerable increase to multiple levels of
the birth values, followed by a decrease. . .. It must be emphasized that
gold, although classified as a non-essential trace element, behaves in the hair
of infants just like the physiologically important essential trace elements zinc
and copper."
In a general reading on multiple sclerosis, Cayce explained that the disease was
due to a deficiency in gold resulting in a deficiency in a hormone that enables
the nerves to maintain themselves. To prevent the disease he advised keeping
a balance of the metals in the system, especially addressing the lack of gold.
He said, "Most of these may be tested especially from the spermatozoa"
(Reading 907-1, January 25, 1939).9 This is of special interest because of the
results of Skandhan and Abraham, who measured gold in semen, and noted
that, "this is the richest source of gold reported in biological materials. "20
T
here is less information on silver as a nervine. However, Potter in his
Materia Medica, based on the Us. Pharmacopoeia of1890, says of silver,
"in small doses it increases secretion, stimulates the heart, promotes
nutrition, and acts as a nerve tonic."21 He notes, among other applications of
silver, that it can be used to treat, "Chronic Spinal Inflammations, causing
locomotor ataxia or paraplegia, the Nitrate has in some few cases effected
permanent cures. Epilepsy was formerly treated much with the Nitrate, and
it occasionally achieved the most brilliant results, but colored the skin blue."
Shi measured a number of trace elements including silver in cerebrospinal fluid
of Parkinson's disease patients, and found significant differences in response to
intracerebral transplantation of the adrenal medulla. 22 He suggests that silver,
among other trace elements, is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's
disease. Unfortunately, he did not look at gold.
The Cayce wet cell treatment, then, is consistent with historical uses for gold
and silver, but appears to be unique in the vibratory application, and has not
previously been studied.
T
en research participants were recruited through announcements in
Venture Inward, the magazine of the Cayce organization, the Association
for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.). Most brought support
people, who would be trained to carry out the treatments at home. Subjects
were not financially compensated for participating in the study. All research
and treatment costs were paid by a grant from the Beltone Corporation to the
A.R.E. Conference costs related to housing, food, and transportation were paid
by the participants. At the beginning of the conference, the ptoject was
explained in detail by the investigators, and the subjects signed informed
consent forms. The forms emphasized that the project did not include discon
tinuation of any conventional therapy or medication.
PROCEDURE
In the form used in this project, the wet cell consists of a 2-gallon plastic
container containing a solution of distilled water, copper sulfate, sulfuric acid,
and zinc. Two 9" metal rods (one of copper and one of nickel) project through
the lid of the container into the solution. A wire is connected by an alligator
The solution jar is a four ounce glass jar containing 3 ounces of a solution.
The solutions used in this projected included gold chloride (1 grain per
ounce of distilled water) and silver nitrate (2 0/0 solution). A piece of hollow
lead tubing projects through the lid of the jar, makes a loop in the jar, and
returns through the lid. Alligator clips connect the wire from the nickel
rod in the wet cell to one end of the loop, and the wire to the nickel plate
to the other end of the loop. Figure 1 shows the assembled wet cell and
solution jar.
F
ollowing the conference in which they were trained to do home
treatment, the participants returned home. The regimen consisted of
daily use of the wet cell for 1/2 hour. The solutions of Gold and Silver
were used on alternate days. When Gold was used, the copper plate was
attached over the 9 th thoracic vertebra. When Silver was used, the copper plate
was attached over the 2nd thoracic vertebra. In both cases, the nickel plate was
attached 3 finger-widths up and 3 finger-widths to the right of the umbilicus.
Following the instructions in the Cayce readings, the participants were
instructed to clean the plates with sandpaper to enhance contact with bare skin,
but not to use any electrode gel.
Following 1/2 hour on the wet cell was a massage focusing on the affected
parts of the body (e.g., the legs and arms), and particularly along the spine, in
a circular pattern to either side of the vertebrae. The protocol also included
a standard Cayce healthy diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables, low in fat,
and excluding fried foods. 23
AsSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS
RESULTS
N
ine of the 10 participants followed the protocol consistently (but none
completely or perfectly). They averaged slight to moderate improve
ment in Parkinson's disease symptoms over four months, based on
observation by the researchers and by subjective questionnaires. One partici
pant obtained almost complete remission of his Parkinson's disease (PD)
symptoms. Many minor symptoms showed interesting improvement. For
example, two people reported regaining their sense of smell, and one had
improved color vision. Several people had more facial emotional expressive
ness, and reported reduced tremors.
Case 2: "They bake chocolate chip cookies in the school. For a long time I
didn't know why everybody was raving about them. Then about 2 or 3 weeks
ago I smelled them. I said, what's that smell? And they said, that's the cookies.
Oh my God, I can smell! It was very tough to not eat them. That was a big
breakthrough. I didn't know I had lost that much of the sense of smell until
it's back. It was wonderful. That's a miracle for me."
Case 3: "This program ... has, along with true guidance from the holy spirit,
worked a miracle in my recovery. I am much healthier since my participation
began and although I have made great strides in my recovery, there is still much
to accomplish. Now I have a clear pathway to follow."
Several participants and their support people returned after a year for an
informal gathering. They continued to be enthusiastic about their healing,
with comments like: 'Tve got to admit that I'm better physically and mentally
than I've been in a long time. I have more stamina. I can stay up longer
without having to nap. I smile." From another: "I have been feeling much
better. . .. My voice is stronger. I have more stamina. . . . My sense of
humor has come back. . .. It's a blessing to be here with you all." From a
support person: "The change is incredible. She just jumps out of her chair
and whips over and gets her food."
LoNG-TERM FOLLOW-UP
F
ormal participation in the project, including prOVISIOn of wet cell
supplies at no cost, ended at the four month follow-up. However, at
three years following the initial conference, all participants responded
to a questionnaire. Only one was still following the wet cell/massage regimen
(Case 5), and reported continued "moderate improvement," for his PO
symptoms. Another (Case 1) had reported improvement for the 2 1/2 years
of using the wet cell, but had gotten slightly worse since discontinuing it. He
now reported, however, "I feel I was going downhill before we restarted the
wet cell appliance recently. Now I think my memory is improved. I'm sleeping
better and moving better. I'm not quite as rigid and tied to my medication."
One, who followed all elements of the protocol well, but had discontinued the
wet cell (Case 2), also reported continued "moderate improvement." The
others, not using the wet cell or following the other physical elements of the
protocol, reported that they were unchanged to moderately worse in physical
symptoms. Six of the ten participants reported continued moderate to major
improvement in attitudes and emotions.
Case 2: "I feel great. I feel it has not progressed very much. I am able to
work full time. I teach an evening yoga class and participate in an orchestra
and band! I don't feel that Parkinson's is going to get me. I let go and let
God. I truly enjoy my life and I take my time doing things. It is almost not
even thought of as a problem I truly feel blessed. I know I am doing great.
Amen!"
C
ase 3: "I am feeling and doing much better (physically) than I can
recall for the last several years. It takes less effort to get things done.
My smiley face is more natural and easier to accomplish! My thought
processes have more continuity and fewer pauses while I get my ideas on the
right track. The improvement in my golf game is amazing. I have very selfishly
kept this to myself. Mraid that it would not last. It was kind of like hoarding
it, jealously keeping it to myself. In retrospect, I was trying not to believe in
the unbelievable. I am sure that we have taken the right track. I believe, I
believe, I believe. Keep the faith, eat well, meditate, exercise, and love God!"
Case 4: "... To someone with Parkinson's disease, turning over in bed means
a great deal. I don't know all of the technical reasons why I couldn't turn over,
but that was the case up until last month. I would just lie there until my
muscles screamed out to MOVE. Then with a great deal of struggle, I would
get up and go to the bathroom. I have been turning over in bed for a month
now, and the habit of getting up to move my muscles is slowly being broken.
. .. I now have more sleep and just as importantly, more hope. Turning in
bed and smiling may not seem like much to anyone else, but to me they are
small miracles."
Case 5: "I am more optimistic because there has not been the progression of
the disease that I feared would happen. At this point I have much more energy
than I did at the time the experimental project started, and the tremor is under
control. . .. I have been fortunate in that my wife and son have been diligent
about seeing that I get the treatment and massage. I also get a full body
massage once a week, and this seems to be very helpful. I do not see how
anyone can handle this treatment by themselves, particularly if the disease is
very far advanced. . .. I am quite carefree most of the time, and I am very
DISCUSSION
W
ithin four months, the majority of the participants in this project
reported some improvement in their symptoms of Parkinson's
disease, in some cases major improvement. They attributed the
improvement both to the physical regimen of the wet cell, massage and diet,
and to the mental/spiritual regimen of meditation and interaction with their
support group. As the quotations demonstrate, for some it was a turning point
in an "incurable" disorder. Particularly interesting are some of the small,
unexpected effects like the regaining of sensory capabilities.
In the long term, the challenge is compliance with the treatments. The few
people still following the protocol after three years were enthusiastic about the
results. The rest, who had ceased using the wet cell had either stayed the same
or deteriorated physically. They cited a variety of reasons for non-compliance.
For example:
Case 2: "The wet cell is expensive to keep up. The diet is great but sometimes
I have a craving for sweets."
Case 9: "We stopped the wet cell quite a while ago. [Case 9] didn't like the
oiL She doesn't really like massage. The $60/month [cost for wet cell supplies
from the manufacturer after the four months paid for by the research project]
It is also possible that people who experienced little improvement early in the
project discontinued the protocol for that reason, so we cannot necessarily
conclude that long-term compliance would necessarily produce positive results.
There is little theory to explain the physiological effects of the wet cell. It is
a weak chemical battery; measurements by McMillin and Richards show that
it typically provides a voltage of around 30 millivolts.lO Although weak, this
is very similar to the naturally occurring skin potential, and could conceivably
have a physiological effect. Richards et al. demonstrated a physiological effect
from an even weaker potential in the Cayce radial appliance. 8
Since there was no control group, the placebo effect cannot be ruled out. Even
in a chronic degenerative disease like Parkinson's, placebo effects including
objectively measurable increases in dopamine have been demonstrated. 24
T
here is some interesting recent literature on low-level electromagnetic
treatment of Parkinson's disease that might be relevant to the wet cell.
Sandyk initially published evidence of successfully treating Parkinson's
disease with picotesla electromagnetic fields applied extracranially.25 He
followed up with a series of papers showing that electromagnetic treatment
reduced the need for medication, improved gait, speech, and olfactory
function. 26 -30 The improvement in olfactory function is especially interesting,
since Sandyk points out that dopaminergic drugs do not affect olfactory
threshold in PD patients, and we had also seen the unexpected recovery of the
sense of smell in our participants. Other researchers have also reported good
results with transcranial magnetic stimulation, although some researchers have
not found consistent improvement. 31 -34 Although the form of energy is
different than the wet cell (pulsed rather than continuous, and magnetic,
generating electrical fields in the body, rather than direct electrical), in both
forms of therapy a low-level electromagnetic stimulus is applied externally.
According to the Cayce readings, the solution jar adds a vibrational component
from the solutions. Cayce was not specific about the nature of this vibrational
component, e.g., the frequency or magnitude, and no measurements have yet
It is our hope that our clinical studies will spur further research on the use of
electromagnetic energy and gold and silver in the treatment of neurological
diseases.
• • •
CORRESPONDENCE: Douglas C. Richards • Meridian Institute • 1853 Old Donation
Parkway, Suite 1 • Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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2. W. A McCarey, The Edgar Cayce Remedies (Bantam, New York, NY, 1983).
3. W. A McCarey, The Oil That Heals (AR.E. Press, Virginia Beach, VA, 1994).
4. H. J. Reilly & R. H. Brod, The Edgar Cayce Handbook.for Health Through Drugless Therapy
(Macmillan, New York, NY, 1975).
5. D. Delany, The Edgar Cayce Way of Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: Vibratory Medicine
(Meridian Publications, Hampton, VA, 1996).
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VA, 1999).
7. L. Caputi, Remedies Found for Muscular Dystrophy, Venture Inward Jan/Feb (2000).
8. D. C. Richards, D. L. McMillin, C. D. Nelson, & E. A Mein, Improvement of Circulation
Using the Radial Appliance, Subtle Energies & Energy Medicine 7,1 (1996), pp.1-18.
9. E. Cayce, The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings on CD-ROM (AR.E. Press, Virginia Beach,
VA, 1993).
lO. D. McMillin & D. C. Richards, The Radial Appliance and Wet Cell Battery (Lifeline Press,
Virginia Beach, VA, 1994).
11. C. Clark & F. H. Kasten, History ofStaining (Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, MD, 1983).
12. S. P. Fricker, Medical Uses of Cold Compounds: Past, Present and Futute, Gold Bulletin
29 (1996), pp. 53-60.
13. Merck's 1899 Manual ofthe Materia Medica (Merck & Co., New York, NY, 1899; Reprint
1999), p. 38.
14. S. T. Carber, Stedman's Practical Medical Dictionary (Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD,
1942).
15. L. F. Keeley, Opium: Its Use, Abuse and Cure (The Banner of Cold, Co., Chicago, IL,
1897; Reprint Arno Press, New York, NY, 1981).